Buying a V8?

[slickster]

Bit of background...

I've had my 99 R75 2.5 V6 Auto for 18 months now, which is the longest I have ever had the same car in the (just under) 10 years I have been driving! I don't do that many miles, circa 6-8k, but most journeys are always at least 40 mile round trips (use the OH little Yaris for the shopping and town driving :) ) I've got a secure job for the next two years (at least :) one of the virtues of being in education...) I'm not a big spender, still young (just turned 27), have some money in the bank (and can easily cover the mortgage and bills) and am just thinking I that I might run a 'faster' car for a year or two.

I had a quick search for V8s and they seemed like reasonable value, but all easily £5k+. I just happened to leave the '4-4.9 litre' and 'less than £5k' options ticked in Autotrader and opened up the choice to other cars. What did pop up were loads of Jag S-type V8s for very cheap money, e.g. this (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/JAGUAR/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-19-42-114-145-240-4294967071/advert.action?R=200846323104714&distance=46&postcode=CV23+8AB&channel=CARS&make=JAGUAR&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=5000&max_mileage=80000) or this (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/JAGUAR/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-19-42-114-145-240-4294967071/advert.action?R=200843321661442&distance=33&postcode=CV23+8AB&channel=CARS&make=JAGUAR&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=5000&max_mileage=80000), which are even more interesting because they obviously (currently) won't be affected by the CO2 tax malarkey.

I guess the question(s) is/are, does anyone have any experience of a S-type V8 and would it be a wise move to take on a £3k 9 year old V8 Jag to run for a year or two??? Or is a Rover/MG V8 the only thing I should REALLY consider ;)

[pmessling]

why break with your car history tradition get a zt v8, had mine since 23 and turn 26 at the end of the mouth. given that all the deprecation has happened i'm sure that the price isn't going to go down much more.

[stocktake]

The rover 75 /zt V8 is a guaranteed future classic. As said cannot see it dropping much more in price. If you get one and dont like it just store it if money is no problem. will be worth plenty in years to come. then try other options.

Wish I had your problem :)

[black olive]

Havent tried the Jag, but am more than impressed with the Zt V8.
you should be able to get a really good deal at the moment, and can get cheap classic insurance.

Most parts readily available, a few niggles but if you buy an enthusiats car should have been sorted or easily sortable, and a good support network of enthusiasts .

been bimbling about in mine today, went to pick the bathroom lino up, and got " that car really is classy- they dont make them like that any more" and from the next door neighbor " you know that car sounds awesome- have you heard it from outside "

[slickster]

if money is no problem.

Well not strictly true :P

I had set myself a theoretical budget of a max of £5k for my 'treat' but as I have found out there isn't really much available in that price bracket...


Most parts readily available, a few niggles but if you buy an enthusiats car should have been sorted or easily sortable, and a good support network of enthusiasts .

Apparently an expert (http://www.austingarages.co.uk/about_us.html) has just set up about 3 miles from my house, which is handy :)

[black olive]

I cant see the Zt dropping as low as 5k ( but it may happen), prices seem about the 7k mark- still a lot of car for the money. low mileage, cotton wooled, and rare chromatic paint cars are priced a lot higher ( but do not necessarily sell).

Its down to what you want really

[slickster]

I cant see the Zt dropping as low as 5k ( but it may happen), prices seem about the 7k mark- still a lot of car for the money.

Indeed. 'Cheapest' on AT currently seems to be £5495 (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MG/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-114-145-240-4294967087/advert.action?R=200846323331474&distance=172&postcode=CV23+8AB&channel=CARS&make=MG&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=).

[mantianak]

Doesn't look as if there's much leg room in the back of that jag. The ZT/75 engine looks far better also.

[BigA]

Slickster_
Just buy one and you won't regret it. Even if you only keep it 18 months it'll be the best 18 months you've had

The amount of car for the cash is a rare opportunity, as is the supercharger you'll want when you've saved up another £6k:lol:

A

[Duotone]

Slickster.
I bought one recently, Its a Rover 75 V8.

I can recomend ownership of a really great car, the real joy of owning such a car is, in my case the "Q car factor".
As Yanbanshe said in another thread " seeing off those buzzing 1.8 gti 's.
Don't worry too much about the mpg, just smile whilst your driving your V8.

I have fitted 11 spoke alloy's to mine instead of the 18" Vortex.
I wanted to see which I liked best.
I'm having the Vortex re-furbished.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l45/newfeather/P5290750.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l45/newfeather/P5280747-1.jpg

Dave T

[slickster]

I bought one recently, Its a Rover 75 V8.
Dave T

Oh my goodness, my perfect car!!!! :drool4:

A R75 V8 (as opposed to a MG V8) and in that paintwork!!!!!! (I'm from the northeast and ten years ago I use to see countless Nissan Micras and Primeras from the local factory driving around in a multitude of those flip paints.)

Keeping my eye out for a R75 V8, but I feel I may be waiting a while...

Just as an aside, came across this car (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLVO/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-240-4294966791/advert.action?R=200843321468192&distance=51&postcode=DE14+3NZ&channel=CARS&make=VOLVO&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=), which is amazing value for money (and nearly as quick as a V8, and likely just as luxurious)



PS. How did you create that perfect little animation with the flip paint colouring too!

[Greeners]

Found this one....Over budget...? (http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/642935.htm)

[slickster]

Nice condition, low mileage, just a little over budget...

[Tim]

Interesting, why is the Jag V8 only in group 17 insurance? We're in 20.

Perhaps its the rarity which you need to think about Slickster. Buy a Jag V8 and in a couple of years it might be cheaper to scrap. Buy a Rover V8 and there is a good chance you will get your money back if not even make a profit.

Totally bias but I reckon you will keep it.

[BigA]

Duotone,

Can you post some before and after pix of the Vortex refurb? I assumed they were more difficult than other finishes but maybe not?

A

[Yanbanshee]

Well done duotone, a great car and welcome to the very exclusive R75 V8 club. Only around 50 or so left in this country so a guaranteed classic.

[Duotone]

Duotone,

Can you post some before and after pix of the Vortex refurb? I assumed they were more difficult than other finishes but maybe not?

A

Yes, I will post pictures of before and after re-furb.

The 11 spoke alloys are from Duotone and are fitted with Continental tyres.

The Vortex were fitted with Dunlop 9000. The V8 rides a lot better and quieter on the Continentals, the difference is quite noticable.

I have been out today in the V8, what a really nice car..

Dave T

[Mr bountyfull]

Just my two pennies worth. Before I settled on the MG ZTV8 I have always liked the thought of a Jag and after a mis-fuel of my cdti I visited a number of cars.
Alfa gt (new two door) - good but not special enough.
XK8 2003 special but felt old nice noise.
RX8 wonderfull drive almost went there.
Then I drove MG V8 noise fantastic, gun it and your in the seat of ww2 spitfire. I could not look anywhere other than at this type of car. If you look long and hard and are prepared to wait you will find R75 V8.

Get one
Steve.

[slickster]

Only around 50 or so left in this country so a guaranteed classic.

Looks like I could be in for a bit of a wait...

If you look long and hard and are prepared to wait you will find R75 V8.

...but I'm sure it will be worth it :D

[JayHSpence]

I am looking for my first MG ZT 260 v8. i will find it some day soon... its the only one to go for.. I was looking at P38 RangeRover..before and then Jag X-Type..and then A scoobyDOOdoo.. but I always come back to the MG ZT 260 v8.. rear wheel drive.. Mustang engine.. with USA underpining with the drive train and so on.. I have loved the 75's ever sine they came out.. but its the MG ZT 260 v8 for me... go and drive one... and see for yourself..
as for the S-type.. mmmm not sure. look on the Jag forum.. for s types and see.. there you will find all you need to know, but I am a little/lot biased. but we know you will come back to the 75.in some guise or other.. MG mG mG MMMMGGG... go get one.

[slickster]

Interestingly, seems a new 'cheapest' MG 260 has very recently appeared on the trader. £6500ono (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MG/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-114-240-4294967087/advert.action?R=200846323458590&distance=85&postcode=DE14+3NZ&channel=CARS&make=MG&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=). Wonder if it is a club (or Two sixties) member?

Seriously tempting, but I'm just kind of still waiting on a R75...

[RiverRat]

Hi,

I'm looking at a ZT 260 now...currently drive a2.0 Diesel Auto 75 and on my run to work always in low gears I'm getting around 25mpg so feel I may aswell have the V8 and feel better about the low MPG.

I take it from the comments here that I won't regret buying one...the question I have is what should I look out for when I buy one? I've seen the one on AT for £5495 mentioned earlier and it's fairly local for me. It's the Pre-facelift model. Any suggestions on what I should look for?
(AT no longer has that ad available but the car can be found on the following page: http://www.a1centre.co.uk/14157/stock.htm

It seems a little "cheap" for the mileage so I'm a little dubious. A LOT of car for the money methinks.

Thanks

[Simon]

Looks a good spec for the money - doesn't say what the mileage is in the advert though. Brakes also look as if it's been standing a while so may take a while to scrub off of the surface corrosion. Check they aren't too worn down as the photo shows a nice wear line on the featured wheel. Not too bad to replace mind but something to check if you go and have a look.

[RiverRat]

I've been looking at the Parkers website and the V8 is only valued at just over £4k on the pre-facelift model with 40k on the clock (see http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/used-prices/Valuation.aspx?deriv=26850&plate=75)

He also only offered me £3k for my 75 diesel with low miles and connoiseur SE spec which parkers values at a £4500(ish) trade-in.

I think there would have to be a lot of haggling going on if those figures are right.

[Greeners]

there's a grand difference between the screen price and the advertised price. I would suggest that the milage is between 40-60 thousand by the seat wear...

[Tim]

Hi,

I'm looking at a ZT 260 now...currently drive a2.0 Diesel Auto 75 and on my run to work always in low gears I'm getting around 25mpg so feel I may aswell have the V8 and feel better about the low MPG.

I take it from the comments here that I won't regret buying one...the question I have is what should I look out for when I buy one? I've seen the one on AT for £5495 mentioned earlier and it's fairly local for me. It's the Pre-facelift model. Any suggestions on what I should look for?
(AT no longer has that ad available but the car can be found on the following page: http://www.a1centre.co.uk/14157/stock.htm

It seems a little "cheap" for the mileage so I'm a little dubious. A LOT of car for the money methinks.

Thanks

If you have a look at the "Did you know" thread in the V8 forum it will give you some idea of what we are finding with our cars. But I would be looking at the tyre treads for even spread of use, hose replacement, asking about the fuel clip, put my ear to the aircon, and make sure all electrics are working including the satnav.